Wilson Middle School team earns second place; Wyatt Nance advances to state competition
Members of Wilson Middle School's Mathcounts team turned in a strong showing at the Chapter Competition held in Woodhaven, earning top finishes in both team and individual events.
The Wilson team placed second overall in the team competition,
highlighting a consistent performance throughout the contest. Team members include Addison Beatty, Daphne Bernard, Nolan Breeding, Gunner Brucki, Theodore Dodds, Katie Malott, Wyatt Nance, and Ophelia Stewart. Individually, two Wilson competitors finished among the top 10 overall.
Ophelia Stewart placed 10th, while Wyatt Nance earned a third-place finish, qualifying him to advance to the state competition scheduled for March. School officials extended congratulations to all members of the Mathcounts team for their dedication, teamwork, and academic achievement.
Wyandotte Museum commemorates a century of love
By SYDNEY HAMILTON
The Wyandotte Museum at the Ford-MacNichol Home hosted its annual Valentine's Open House on February 13. Held at 2610 Biddle Avenue, this free event was a perfect match for history enthusiasts, longtime residents, or anyone looking for a memorable way to spend the day with that special someone.
The exhibit included vintage valentines and
wedding dresses from the 1880s through the 1980s, showcasing traditions, stories of romance, and evolving fashions. All wedding dresses on exhibit were donated to educate the community.
Jesse Rose, director of museums, shared the purpose of the event. "By hosting the Valentine's Open House, we're shedding light on some of the interesting women who have lived in the city and helped make it what it is today."
In honor of Women's History Month, the museum
will also host Historic Wyandotte Women on March 27 and 28th from 6 to 9 p.m. Advance registration is required, and admission is $5 per person. Volunteers will portray women who lived in Wyandotte, showcasing an interactive educational experience based on historical research.
Those interested in volunteering or donating can contact the Wyandotte Museum at museum@ wyandottemi.gov.
Monthly recap with Rep. Linting
Even with the cold weather upon us, I am continuing to meet with people across our communities, listen to your priorities and serve as a voice for you in Lansing. I want to give special thanks to the many Downriver communities who opened their doors to rovide warming centers
RYLEE LINT/NG for those in need. This included the Westfield Activities Center in Trenton, Copeland Center in Wyandotte, Southgate Veterans State Representative Library, the Grosse Ile Public Safety Building and Gibraltar City Hall. These efforts save lives, and I'm so honored to represent and work with local leaders and organizers who go out of their way to look out for their fellow community members.
I wanted to provide you with another update on where I have visited recently and what I am doing to make our area an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
I was proud to stop by Tru Pizza in Wyandotte recently as they celebrated their Grand Opening. It was great to talk with the owners and employees and learn about this new local business, including the allergy-safe dining concept they are incorporating. Welcome to Wyandotte and all the best!
Skilled trades are essential to our communities and our local economies. From storefronts to sidewalks and everywhere around and in between, these are the workers who make it all happen! There are over
250,000 Michigan residents that work in skilled trades - which is the eighthlargest skilled trades workforce in the country. We also rank highly in things like workforce development, total manufacturing employment, and more. I was excited to recently tour the Local 2 Bricklayers' training center and see firsthand the dedication and determination that skilled trades
workers across Downriver show every day, as well as work that is being done to prepare the next generation within this critical industry. Thank you for having me!
Legislatively, I wanted to share information on a bill that will impact students and families in all of our Downriver communities while helping reduce classroom distractions.
A bill I recently voted for gives school districts the ability to promote improved learning environments.
Through House Bill 4141, K-12 students would be prohibited from using smartphones during instruction time, but they may still use their devices during non-instruction time between classes and during lunch. This change would take place beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
The trend of phones being distractions in classrooms is only getting more severe. This is something school administrators and educators have been asking state government to look at, and we are delivering so educators don't have to compete with screens in the classroom and students can focus on preparing for their futures ahead of them. We passed historic per-pupil funding last year for Downriver school districts in the current state budget. This is sound policy that prioritizes learning and literacy to work with this funding so kids and families across our area can have success!
The bill carries practical exemptions for medically necessary devices, district-issued devices, devices used for academic purposes or classroom assignments at the teacher's discretion, and devices supporting special education programs, IEPs, or 504 Plans. Emergency use is also permitted as long as it does not interfere with safety protocols or endanger anyone on campus.
This bill passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming, bipartisan support. I will continue fighting for commonsense plans for our Downriver communities in Lansing, and I look forward to keeping you updated on the latest as I continue to serve you!
ICU earns Beacon Award for Excellence
The intensive care unit team at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital was recognized with the Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The award honors hospital units that demonstrate significant improvements in patient outcomes while maintaining practices that align with Healthy Work Environment standards.
The recognition highlighted the ICU team's dedication, professionalism, and ongoing commitment to providing high-quality patient care. Hospital leadership and the community expressed pride in the team's continued pursuit of excellence and the positive impact they make on patients and their families.
MichiganInstitutefor NeurologicalDisorders(MIND) MIND RiverviewCenter Brings NeurologicalCare Closerto Home
If you've noticed changes in your memory, balance, nerve health,or chronic pain - or if someone you love is experiencingsymptoms - you're not alone.As neurologicalconditions become more prevalentwith age,access to specializedcare is more crucial than ever.
That care is nowcloser to home.
MIND RiverviewCenter has opened a new,state-of-the-art neurologycenter in Riverview, bringing highly trained specialists directly to the Downrivercommunity.
Located at 14750 KingRoad, the 6,500-square-footMIND RiverviewCenterprovides comprehensivecare for conditions affecting the brain, spine,and nervoussystem. Patients benefit from MIND's one-stop model,where neurologicalevaluations,EEGs, EMGs,and infusion therapies can often be completed in a singlevisit,helpingto reduce delays and simplify care.
The MINDRiverviewInfusion Centerprovidestreatmentfor
conditionsincludingmultiple sclerosis,Alzheimer'sdisease, migraines,neuromuscular disorders,and Neuromyelitis Optica.Providersalso administerBotoxfor spasticity and chronicmigraine,alongwith interventionalpaintreatments such as trigger point injections and occipital nerveblocks.
ConditionsTreatedat MIND RiverviewInclude: Alzheimer'sdisease& memorydisorders Parkinson'sdisease& movementdisorders
When advancedimaging or proceduresare needed, patients have seamless access to MIND'sflagship Farmington Hills location,which offers two wide-boreMRI machinesand C-arm-guidedinterventional paintreatments,ensuring continuity of care without leavingthe MIND network.
Downriver'sDestinationfor Expert NeurologicalCare
Comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex neurological conditionsall in one advanced center.
To schedulean appointmentor learn more, visit MINDonline.com/riverview-center or call 248-553-0010.
SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER
Downriver's Business Network
Join us for Downriver's Premier Business Expo: The Black Tie Gala and Expo Thursday, April 9, 2026
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 9, 2026, and join us for an elegant evening of networking, live music, delicious food, and endless business opportunities.
Showcase your organization with a vendor booth or sponsorship, or simply enjoy the event as an attendee.
This is your chance to connect with top professionals and elevate your business in style!
Ron Hinrichs, Learn more and secure your tickets today:
The Wyandotte Police Department recognized Morgen Gardocki and Tyler Groat on their promotions to the rank of sergeant, marking a significant milestone in their law enforcement careers. Both officers were commended for consistently demonstrating a high level of professionalism and dedication to their duties, making the promotions well deserved.
During the promotion ceremony,
their spouses, Chelsea Gardocki and Rachel Groat, had the opportunity to pin the new sergeant badges on their husbands, making the occasion especially meaningful for their families.
WPD expressed pride in Gardocki and Groat's accomplishments, noting that the community is fortunate to have both men serving as members of the police department.
Gardocki
Groat
Photos by Dave Chapman
Strong perlorrnances continue for Bears wrestling
Wyandotte Roosevelt wrestling continues their strong season with several notable performances across invitationals, league competition, and dual meets.
At the highly competitive Warren Woods Tower Invitational, three Wyandotte wrestlers earned podium finishes. Ben Demmer placed second at 215 pounds, Landen Williams finished fourth at 190 pounds, and Nolan Allman took fifth at 157 pounds. At the Carlson Tournament, Marlow Corbin recorded four wins, while Jacob Goins and Jake Foster each earned three victories.
The team also captured first place at the L'Anse Creuse Team Tournament, finishing 4-0 on the day and improving its overall record to 13-6. Four wrestlers went undefeated at the event, including Rocket Sladovnik, Blake Schroeder, Demmer, and Gage Ball. Foster, Donaven Stone, Urijah Lenart, Allman, and Devin Lucas each finished the day with only one loss.
Junior Ben Demmer was also named Roosevelt High School Athlete of the Week for the week ending February 6.
A three-sport athlete competing in football,
wrestling, and track and field, Demmer has excelled across all three programs. In wrestling, he currently holds a 34- 7 season record and a 93-52 career record with 28 pins. His recent accomplishments include a third place finish at the Orange and Blue Classic, a first place finish at the North Branch Santa Slam, and a fourth place finish at the Wayne County Championships.
Wyandotte earned dual meet victories over Allen Park, 40-39, and Lincoln Park, 55-15. On Senior Night, the Bears split their matches against Crestwood and Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, bringing their season record to 14-7.
The Bears also hosted the Wyandotte Wrestling Invitational, where Allman finished second at 157 pounds. Demmer placed third at 215 pounds, Christian Medrano took third at 285 pounds, and Sladovnik finished third at 126 pounds. The team placed ninth overall in the tournament.
At the Downriver League Championship Meet, Wyandotte finished fourth overall. Ball at 120 pounds and Allman at 157 pounds earned All-League honors, highlighting another successful stretch for the Bears during the season.
Progress pays off as Wyandotte cheer takes first at home comp
The Wyandotte Roosevelt competitive cheer team showed consistent growth throughout the season, gaining valuable experience against strong competition while steadily improving their performances.
The Bears opened the stretch at the Rochester Royal Rumble, earning fifth place with a score of774.36. They followed with an appearance at the Troy Athens Invitational, where they faced a deep field and finished eighth with a score of 760.82. Wyandotte continued to build momentum at the Rochester
seventh with a score of
That steady progress came together at the 23rd Annual Wyandotte Invitational. Competing in front of a home crowd, the Bears delivered one of their strongest performances of the season, earning first place with a score of 775.82. The victory highlighted the team's continued improvement as the season moved forward.
Bears hockey skating strong with impressive wins and milestones
The Wyandotte Roosevelt Bears hockey team continued a strong season, posting a 15-10-1 record at press time while putting together a stretch of impressive team performances and individual accomplishments.
The Bears made a strong statement in Ann Arbor with decisive victories over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, 5-1, and Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7-1. They also earned commanding wins over Allen Park Cabrini, winning 6-2 and later recording a high-scoring 14-6 victory.
Following the offensive surge, Wyandotte went on a six-game winning streak, defeating Grosse Ile 4-1, Woodhaven-Brownstown 12-3, Port Huron Northern 5-2, and Dexter 3-2. At the Chelsea Showcase, the Bears continued their momentum with wins over Walled Lake Northern, 4-2, and Chelsea, 8-0.
Most recently, Wyandotte added victories over Allen Park, 9-1, and Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard once again, 6-2, continuing to build momentum late in the season.
Throughout the year, several players reached significant milestones. Duncan Sargeant scored his first career high school goal for the Bears, Eli Harrell surpassed 100 goals in his high school career, and goaltender Evan Kelly recorded his first varsity shutout, highlighting a season filled with both team success and personal achievements.
Photo by Dave Chapman
Adams Invitational, placing
769.18.
New city clerk appointed
The City of Wyandotte announced the appointment of Mary Pilon as City Clerk. Pilon was officially sworn in during a recent City Council meeting following her appointment by Mayor Robert DeSana and confirmation by the Wyandotte City Council.
Mayor DeSana stated that Pilon brought a strong commitment to public service and to the Wyandotte community, expressing confidence that she would serve residents well
while working collaboratively with City staff, Council members, and various boards and commissions to ensure the Clerk's Office continued to operate effectively.
The City also recently welcomed Dana Hughes as Deputy Clerk. Her addition supports the dayto-day operations of the Clerk's Office, including elections, records management, and resident services.
too early to 'think spring'
By SUSAN PINKOWSKI
While I do love snow, I'm already looking forward to getting my garden planted and checking out the local farmers' markets. One priority this year is to grow only seeds or plants that will generate their own seeds for next year. Those are known as self-pollinating. These are somewhat harder to find because the industry changed to non-pollinating seeds some time ago. Remember the victory gardens our grandparents planted? Those seeds grew into plants that produced more seeds to be planted the following year, since seed stores were low because of the war. That self-sufficient way of gardening disappeared after the war when the seed companies changed over. You must purposefully look for seeds that you can save and use the following year. So, check in with your favorite local shop or online to see what they offer and you'll be on your way to self-sufficiency. If you don't want to grow your own, either from seed or starter plants, a quick trip to one of the many farmers' markets Downriver is a great option. Most of the cities in our area host weekly farmers' markets that display the seasonal produce our area farmers grow. Wyandotte has a farm market at Elm and First Street every Thursday from 2 pm to 7 pm from June through October. Trenton has theirs on Thursdays, same time, at Jefferson and Elm, from May to September. Grosse Ile runs their market from mid-May to end of September on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. There's even a market Downriver on Sundays - Melius
Park in Lincoln Park at 1661 Fort Street. While this one operates from June through October, they have a special holiday market in November. Brownstown's market has a Tuesday schedule from June to August, running from 2- 7 pm at 23345 King Road. When you're there, check out the gardens they have growing!
Occasionally market dates and times change from year to year, so be sure to check them out online before you head out. The best online site is National Farmers Market Directory (nfrnd.org). Another site, mifrna.org, gives you access to the 300 farmers' markets in Michigan. If you want to search by city you can check out usdalocalfoodportal.com.
There is an abundance of goods on offer at these farmers' markets. Depending on the season, you can buy home-grown lettuce, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, com on the cob, leeks, spinach, kale - the variety is endless. They often also host farmers who have beef, lamb, eggs, butter, etc., to sell. Over the years, artists and various vendors have joined in, offering soaps, teas, oils, jewelry, woodwork, signs, flowers, and their own unique creations that sometime defy description!
Overall, it is a most pleasant way to spend a few hours among your neighbors getting healthy food that doesn't have all the chemical additives that are found in supermarket food. It's an enjoyable way to spend some time - a nice walk amongst the vendors, shopping for goodies, chatting with neighborsand four different days of the week, if you are so inclined.
DOWNRIVERCU ANSWERS
Lifelong Learning: A Powerful Tool for Growth and Connection
In an age of rapid change and endless distractions, there's one practice that continues to shape successful individuals and strong communities: lifelong learning.
Whether it's reading a book, attending a class or workshop, joining a webinar, or engaging in a group discussion, learning doesn't have to be formal or complicated. In fact, the most effective learning often happens when we're simply curious, engaged, and surrounded by others who share that same spark.
At Downriver Community Federal Credit Union, we believe learning is a lifelong journey-one that aligns perfectly with our mission of "providing simple access to resources that help our members accomplish great things in every stage of life."
4 Easy Ways to Embrace Lifelong Learning
- Read with purpose - Don't feel pressure to finish every book. Instead, focus on learning something useful or enjoyable-even just a few pages a day can make an impact.
-Attend a class or workshop - These are great opportunities to gain practical tools, hear new perspectives, and meet people who share your interests.
- Engage in real conversations - Whether in person or online, talking about what you're learning helps reinforce it and opens the door to new insights.
- Stay curious - Try new hobbies, explore different topics, or revisit a subject you used to love. Lifelong learning is less about obligation and more
about discovery.
Not sure where to start?
Most people recognize that lifelong learning is important but may not know where to begin. If that sounds like you, Downriver CU is here to help by hosting a variety of educational events designed to be informative, approachable, and even fun.
Pizza & Power Lunch Series
This lunch-hour workshop series, held monthly at our Southgate Office, features engaging speakers and topics focused on personal and professional growth. Our February session featured local expert Tom Borg, who led an energetic workshop called "Reading Without the Rules: Leaming Simplified." He shared creative ways to make reading easier and more enjoyable-no matter your habits or experience.
Each month features a different speaker and topic, all designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Learn more about future upcoming sessions at www.DownriverCU.com/PizzaPowerLunch.
Swap & Shred Saturday
Coming in March, this event celebrates National Reading Month and helps people in two simple ways:
- Give a Book, Get a Book! - Bring your gently used books and pick up something new to increase your knowledge and enjoyment!
- Document Shredding - Safely dispose of sensitive papers for free (limit of three boxes or bags per vehicle) helping reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.
This FREE event is a perfect mix of community, learning, and fresh starts. Additional information can be found at www.DownriverCU.com.
No matter where you are in life, there's always something new to learn-and Downriver CU is here to help you grow.
Downriver women's organization offers $2,500 college scholarship
The Wyandotte-Downriver branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering a $2,500 academic scholarship for eligible college students in 2026. The scholarship is intended to help offset the costs of tuition, fees, books, and supplies, and will be paid directly to the recipient's college or university for the Fall 2026 semester.
"This scholarship is designed to support a Downriver college student emolled full-time," said Kathleen Forrest, director of the Scholarship Program for the Dowmiver Branch.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in one of the following communities: Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, New Boston, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, or Wyandotte. Candidates must have earned at least 12 college credits and
$2,500 academic scholarship for eligible college students in 2026.
be currently emolled as full-time undergraduates.
Students who wish to apply should email kathleenforrest@wowway. com with the subject line "Academic Scholarship 2026" to receive the application form and guidelines.
Completed applications, including a required essay and transcript, must be submitted via email to Kathleen Forrest by March 15, 2026.
The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Foundation, established in 2010 as a 50l(c)(3) organization, supports leadership, education, equity, and economic security for women through scholarships, training, and advocacy.
Additional information about the branch and its programs is available on Facebook or by contacting Barb Duran at 313-300-1710 or Sue Stoll at 737-692-4919. Email inquiries may also be sent to aauwwd@gmail.com.
Before we became independent insurance agents, we were members of the Wyandotte Jaycees - a volunteer organization for young people. As officers, we ran hundreds of fundraisers and projects to boost our community. We were nationally recognized for it. Four of our agents are Senators and Life Members. Each time we help someone choose good coverage, it frees up resources that benefit our community. We take this aspect of our role very seriously.
All of our agents are members of NABIP, the National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals. This gives us an opportunity to go to Washington and be a voice for Downriver's hardworking people.
If you are tired of all of the unsolicited calls and bad actors pushing inappropriate health plans, know that you'll have local advocates working with lawmakers to make this better. Thank you for supporting us.
